Cancer can be defeated with early diagnosis and support

PETALING JAYA: Umi Amira Mohd Dahalan was a young mother of one when she was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer two years ago.

“I never thought that I would get cancer. It started off with just continuous fever, and then I noticed glands appearing on my neck and chest,” she said.

“Subsequently, I was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatment at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar,” said homemaker Ummi Amira, 24, who has a five-year-old daughter.

“I began to feel depressed because I thought I was going to die.”

Her husband Mohd Najmi Rosli, 28, however, became her pillar of strength.

With his support, she was motivated to try all treatments.

Despite the high medical cost as her husband is a factory worker earning RM1,500 monthly, Ummi Amira knew she had to persevere.

“It is tough now for us but I know I have to go on for my family. My husband does not want me to give up and my daughter still needs me,” she said.

“So, I am now gathering as much funds and help as I can.

“I don’t want to be like my late mother, who died of breast cancer last year because she was nonchalant about her illness.”

Her message to all: Never disregard any lumps you feel on your body.

For administrative executive Linda (not her real name), her cancer diagnosis at the age of 32 had tested her tenacity at a time when she was supposed to be happily married with children.

She was found with stage four cervical cancer following a series of bleeding incidents. Further tests revealed it had spread to her intestine and urinary bladder.

“I was feeling down after I received the confirmation. But my husband gave me strength, so I started researching and reading up on treatments, reviews, what to eat and so on,” she said.

Linda, who is now 35, went through 36 rounds of radiotherapy and six rounds of chemotherapy, among others.

After two years of treatment, she is now cancer-free.

“These days anyone can get cancer. If you feel something is off with your body, please have it checked. Self-awareness is very important.

“If you have cancer, mental agility is vital because after my treatment, I was unable to walk but I kept pushing myself.

“Now I am focused on building my immunity, and I watch what I eat,” she said.

Despite recovering, Linda is now facing early menopause.

“You need to be mentally strong because you have no choice but to go on.

“I am grateful that my husband has been my biggest support throughout my journey,” she said.